Tranmere Rovers vs Nottingham Forest match preview

Last updated : 13 April 2006 By Matthew Jones
Top of the form table Nottingham Forest travel to Prenton Park for the eigth time in their history on Saturday as they look to push into the play-offs whilst Rovers look to secure their place in League One.

The Cowshed is expected to be full for the first time since the play-offs last year as they will most probably sell out their entire allocation of 2,300 tickets for Saturdays big game.

Past Meetings:

These are few and far between as Rovers have only ever played Forest 16 times before Saturdays meetings.

The most recent was a Carling Cup 2nd Round Match back during Ray Mathias' time at Prenton Park on 23rd September 2003. After a poor 120 minutes Rovers lost 4-1 on penalties although Eugene Dadi did take his spot kick pretty well whilst I think Gareth Roberts hit the post.

Prior to that Rovers played Forest twice in their League Cup Final Appearence season (1999/2000) and their relegation season (2000/01) but only ,anaged one victory out of the four games.

Vital Stats:

Out of the 16 meetings between the two sides, 12 have come since the beginning of the 1990's.

Rovers have never completed the double over the former two time European Champions.

Tranmere have only beaten Forest twice in their history, both at Prenton Park.

Nottingham Forest have only ever won once at Prenton Park, 1-0 on 16th January 1994 (other than their league cup triumph!)

Only twice has this fixture ended in a goalless draw but 8 of the 16 games have ended draws.

The Form Book:

Tranmere Last 6 Home Games: WDLWLW
Nottingham Forest Last 6 Away Games: DLWDWW

Right at the business end of the season, pre-season promotion favourites Nottingham Forest are beginning to hit form after Gary Megson left the club.

They are now top of the form table following four consecutive wins and a run of eight games without defeat stretching back to 15th February.

Their away form has been much better over the past few months following good wins at Chesterfield (3-1), Doncastor (2-1) and Port Vale (2-0) along with a draw away to Bristol City (1-1) and Blackpool (2-2), these either side of the defeat to Oldham (3-0).

Their were some poor results away from The City Ground for Forest however whilst Megson was still at the club. Defeats on the road to MK Dons (1-0), Scunthorpe United (3-1) and Chester City (3-0, F.A. Cup 2nd Round) all occured in Megson's final few months with Forest.

Tranmere's home from has been dreadfully inconsistent all season although they are beginning to pull it together now.

Rovers last four home games really tell the story of their season at Prenton Park. Starting on 18th February, Rovers lost 1-0 to Barnsley but then took Chesterfield apart 4-1 in their next home game. 6 Days later they were terrible in a 2-1 defeat to Walsall but then on 31st March they annialated Port Vale 3-0 at home.

Look further back and you will find a win against Huddersfield (2-1) sandwiched inbetween 0-0 draws against Hartlepool, Southend and Bournemouth.

The fact that the wins over Vale and Huddersfield were on Friday nights means Rovers win against Chesterfield is their only Home win on a Saturday since 22nd January 2005 when they beat Walsall 2-1. I doubt Nottingham Forest turning up at Prenton Park on Saturday will inspire another home win for Rovers but we can hope.

Tranmere Team News: Influential Player/Coach Jason McAteer is expected to return to the starting XI after missing Rovers defeat to Rotherham through illness. Matt Murray remains doubtful whilst Calvin Zola is expected to be out for the rest of the season with a thigh injury and Captain Mike Jackson starts a 3 match suspension.

Boss Brian Little should and hopefully will go with a 4-3-3 formation but without Calvin Zola this is unlikely.


Jones' Prediction: Tranmere 1-3 Nottingham Forest